Which principle is emphasized by the ethical practice of non-maleficence?

The principle of non-maleficence is fundamentally centered around the ethical obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. This principle is a cornerstone of medical ethics and emphasizes that healthcare providers, including chiropractors, must ensure that their interventions do not inflict harm, whether physical, emotional, or psychological.

In practice, this means that a chiropractor should carefully assess the potential risks and benefits of any treatment before proceeding, ensuring that the patient's safety and well-being are prioritized. For example, if a treatment is likely to cause more harm than good, a practitioner would be ethically obliged to refrain from providing that treatment.

The concept is reflected in the broader ethical framework of healthcare, where the well-being of the patient is paramount. By adhering to the principle of non-maleficence, chiropractors reaffirm their commitment to patient safety and ethical practice.